Heavy rains and storms are among the weather conditions experienced occasionally. Unfortunately, these weather conditions can have adverse effects on properties. Since storms are characterized by heavy rains and wind that could cause tree branches to fall over a house, they can cause damage to the roof, walls, and interiors, which could require immediate attention to prevent further damage.

Unfortunately, storm restoration isn’t among the easiest things a homeowner can handle. You require an understanding of what to do and what not to do. You should also have the right equipment to perform a thorough restoration. If you’re looking forward to restoring your home after a storm, here are the things you should do and the things you should avoid.

The Dos

Here’s what you should do after a storm:

1. Inspect Your Home

Immediately after you’re cleared to enter your home, the first step should be to inspect it thoroughly. Heavy rains and winds can cause severe damage inside and outside your home. Begin with your roof, checking for any missing shingles and ensuring that the gutters and siding are in good condition. Don’t climb the roof yourself since it could be dangerous and can cause severe injuries. If you spot any damage, hire professionals like Paramount Roofing and Exteriors to fix it.

The patio and outdoor furniture are also vulnerable areas, so check for any damage there too. Check the extent of damage to it as well as to outdoor furniture. Check the interior of your home for water damage, especially if your home was flooded during the storm. Furniture and appliances can be affected, so take note of any damage. Finally, examine the attic, particularly if the roof is damaged. The information you gather from the assessment will be helpful when filing a storm damage claim.

2. Document The Damage And Contact Your Insurer

While inspecting your home after the storm, make sure to document any damage by taking photographs and recording videos of items such as the roof, siding, windows, furniture, and appliances. Since your insurer might not send an adjuster immediately, especially if they’re serving many people, this documentation will serve as proof of damage if you must start cleaning up before they assess the damage. Once you’ve documented the damage, contact the insurance company to notify them about the situation.

3. Remove Items From The Water

After documenting the damage, begin removing items from the water. Take the time to evaluate what items can be saved and what should be discarded. If the storm was extensive and the water damaged your carpet and upholstery furniture, those items are better disposed of since they’ll encourage mold growth, posing a health hazard. However, if these items aren’t severely damaged, consider hiring a professional cleaning company to dry them effectively.

Other items you should take out of the house are appliances and utensils. Ensure to determine if the appliances and electronics are in perfect working condition before plugging them back into power to avoid electric shocks.

When re-entering your storm-damaged home, you must wear proper protective gear. Heavy-duty boots will protect you from direct contact with contaminated water, while gloves will protect your hands. A face mask is also necessary, along with a helmet and a waterproof apron.

The Don’ts

Here’s a list of things to avoid during a storm restoration:

1. Don’t Use A Vacuum To Remove Standing Water

The most common mistake most homeowners make during storm restoration is using a vacuum to remove standing water. Doing so doesn’t only ruin the appliance but puts you at risk of being electrocuted. Instead of a vacuum, use a wet-dry vacuum since it’s designed to perform such tasks.

2. Don’t Restore Your Home Alone

While it might be impossible to wait to restore your home while you can jump right at it and begin the procedure, it’s advisable to hire professionals to help you. Storm restoration is a challenging task that requires knowledge and special equipment. Professional storm restorers have the necessary equipment and expertise to determine what to save and what to discard. They’ll also dry your home effectively to prevent mold growth and further damage.

3. Don’t Settle For A Quick Fix

Don’t fall into the trap of cheap, quick fixes. Doing so will only cause more harm than good. Working with nonprofessionals might not be effective, especially if they don’t know how to go about storm restoration procedures. As the saying goes, ‘cheap is expensive.’

Conclusion

Restoring your home after a storm is a daunting task that requires the right approach to succeed. A slight mistake can escalate the issue and cause more damage than good. If a storm has hit your home and you plan to remediate it, consider the above dos and don’ts to ensure the process goes as it should.